Spiritual Formation Team

Spiritual Formation Team

Spiritual Formation Team members are available for guest ministry, congregational consulting, resource development, etc. The Spiritual Formation Team serves to support the mission of the church by focusing on Jesus’ words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” from Luke 4:18. The Team’s focus is on the priority of formation by the Spirit which shapes outward mission.

Current Spiritual Formation Team Priorities are:

Spiritual Formation Education: Create a certificate program for spiritual formation facilitators and companions. The formation program will prepare evangelists and other ministers to serve as spiritual companions for members, pastors, staff, and friends of the church. It will train persons in a variety of spiritual formation practices and ministries for use with individuals, small groups, congregations, and mission centers with intent to deepen discipleship and foster wholeness.

Spiritual Directors/ Spiritual Formation Ministers: Serve as liaison, clearing house, and network facilitator for spiritual directors and spiritual formation ministers through periodic gatherings for continuing education, occasional newsletters, blog/web page, etc. Connect spiritual directors within the church and increase awareness of availability of other directors through such organizations as Spiritual Directors International.

Spiritual Direction for Community of Christ Staff: Work in concert with the staff pastor (Kris Judd) to provide individual spiritual direction to world church staff. This includes vetting certified spiritual directors in Community of Christ to serve church employees, or referring them to spiritual directors in other denominations.

Spiritual Formation Ministries for Different Age Groups: Work closely with people of different age ranges (youth, young adults, families, seniors, etc.) to develop programs, retreat formats, and resources that respond to and draw out the spiritual longings of the various stages of life.

Guest Ministry: Serve as planners, resource persons, and facilitators for spiritual formation retreats and workshops in the church. This includes development of retreats for Community of Christ staff and leaders.

Services and Ministries

The Spiritual Formation Specialist and members of the Spiritual Formation Team are available for the following:

Instructional Assistant at Graceland University and Community of Christ Seminary/ Community of Christ Disciple Formation Ministries/ Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Formation for Community of Christ Seminary

Education/Experience: BA Spanish at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa; MA Counseling Psychology at Lewis and Clark University in Portland, Oregon; MA Theology at Portland University in Portland, Oregon; Doctor of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC; Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Haden Institute in Flat Rock, North Carolina; and Dream Group Leader Certificate from Haden Institute in Flat Rock, North Carolina; Evangelist.

Previously served Community of Christ as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles

Education/Experience: BA, English and French from Westminster College in Fulton, MO; Masters of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing from Chapman University in Orange, CA; Discipleship NOW, Southern California Mission Center; Program Assistant for Senior Health and Advocacy Ministries, SCMC; Member of Congregational Leadership Team (Orange, CA Congregation)